I appreciate your deep dive into UCLA and your coverage of the team this last season too. I was extremely happy to hear that Timea Gardiner is joining the Bruins. With the promising incoming freshmen, I am hoping UCLA can go further in March and April! 🏀

@user-gn3wq1mt7g

19 күн бұрын

pam_and_eggs, I know you're a big Bruin fan like me, and I also hope that the Bruins go further in March and April next season. The incoming freshmen have a lot of potential, and they kind of remind of the previous great class of a couple of years ago of Rice, Jaquez and Jones. Time will tell. I also appreciate Back 2 Sports coverage of the Bruins. I'd buy the guy a drink if he lived in my neighborhood. He's knowledgeable and entertaining to boot.

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

Me too. I really like Cori close and want it to work out.

Watched UCLA lose in the tournament because they had a team full of players who couldn’t make a post entry pass. This move doesn’t change that fact.

@user-gn3wq1mt7g

19 күн бұрын

I don't know if they couldn't make a post entry pass. As a team, they didn't make the effort to do it that they should have, and I think it cost them the game. When you have a dominant big like Lauren Betts, you really have to make sure you run your offense through her. That just didn't happen, as she only had nine shot attempts for the game. They launched 32 three point attempts, unnecessarily, IMO, which was uncharacteristic of them. I actually hold Coach Close accountable for that.

@yslcologneconnoisseur7473

19 күн бұрын

@@user-gn3wq1mt7g There were several unsuccessful attempts made, they just couldn’t do it. You made some good points.. but my assessment is correct as well.

Geno took the team all the way to the final four and almost to the finals. I’m sure anyone coming in will listen to him and his coaching staff! Respect Basketball 🏀

@calvinh.4682

19 күн бұрын

I agree with you but there is always the exception who come in and not wanna be truly coached.

@dougpost8958

19 күн бұрын

@@calvinh.4682 Nika learned, but it took all four years. I think it's Karlin or no one.

Love listening to your WBB team and player analysis . Best out there

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

Thanks so much. Very appreciated

Geno is so used to playing with a short bench now, he'll think he's hit the mother lode even if his roster is one player short. That said, Liza Karlen makes a lot of sense. You're right about the portal nonsense. Geno doesn't like players who team hop, and rightly. Well, nobody does really, but not everybody has Geno's recruiting advantage. But Geno can pick and choose. Beers would have been fine. Their conference fell apart and everybody knew why their whole team left. But either of the two forwards from Texas A&M or Arkansas probably won't fit, especially not on a team that's (presumptively) loaded at forward, and both are juniors. But Liza Karlen, now... that's a different story. She played out her obligation at Marquette, and her coach left. She's a grad student, so only one year left. She was all Big East last year. She may not play much, but going to Uconn is about her only chance to make it in the W as well. It seems to make sense, for Uconn as well as Liza. We shall see.

@dougpost8958

19 күн бұрын

I was going to say I didn't think Geno would take anyone from another Big East team, but the fact she's a grad student next year and her coach left changes my perception. If she were 6'4" or more I think it would be a no-brainer, but at 6'2" she doesn't add the size they really need to back up Jana. So she adds to the 4 mix, not sure they need that other than providing more insurance (like Chen.)

@dominictramonte2687

19 күн бұрын

@@dougpost8958 Maybe, maybe not. She'll be helpful come conference play time. She knows the competition. What does Liza want, anybody know?

@lockbert99

19 күн бұрын

He seemed to like to have a small (short?) rotation even when players weren't injured.

@dougpost8958

19 күн бұрын

@@lockbert99 I think most schools (So Carolina perhaps the ezxception that proves the rule) only use a 7-8 person rotation come tournament time. UConn's problem was they played most of the season with basically a 7 person rotation (or 6 when foul trouble came.)

@lockbert99

19 күн бұрын

@@dougpost8958 How many players were healthy (14 on the roster) when they played a 7 player rotation in the Big East? But I wasn't saying Auriemma plays a short rotation in the NCAA tournament. I was saying he does it all the time (not the case back around 2000). He usually has a USA national team starting, so I think he frowns on putting a #44 ranked recruit into the game.

As a UCLA fan, I'd say your assessment is right on the money. The big question for me is if Charlisse Leger-Walker will have a full recovery from her torn ACL. She was a solid player for WSU, but some players never fully recover from torn ACL's. Timea Gardiner is a great addition and an excellent fit with the Bruins. Bessoir and Sontag either didn't play or contributed little last year, so their going should have almost no effect next season. Iwuala's departure for Ole Miss was unexpected. She was primarily a back up for Betts, and did a decent job in her role, so hopefully Gardiner will replace her and even improve UCLA in that position. Finally, I was hoping UCLA сould pull off also getting Lily Hansford, as she is that rare 3 point specialist who hits at over 45% from long range, or possibly be in the running for her teammate Dominika Paurova, also an excellent player.

Great video.

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

Thanks!

Geno can say what ever he wants about someone not being happy but that wasn’t the case for Evina Westbrook when she left Tennessee to go to UConn?? Bottom line is we need height and or need a big barker is the one in my option Patterson and Jana are coming off of serious surgeries to just say we’re good again the goal should be how do we match up with South Carolina

@go2hvn2008

19 күн бұрын

And where is Westbrook now??? Can't even stay on a WNBA roster. I feel confident that Barker is not interested in UConn, too much PB and AF ALL THE TIME.

@kyson333

19 күн бұрын

You cannot bring up staying on a WNBA roster in this conversation we’re talking about college..she transferred to UConn because she was unhappy at Tennessee period..and I agree with you barker is most likely not coming to UConn but I hope I’m wrong..even when she played at monte verde academy high school she didn’t like UConn

@go2hvn2008

19 күн бұрын

@@kyson333 I'm so sorry that Westbrook was unhappy at Tennessee. She was a #2 recruit (#1 was C. Williams). Point taken, should have not brought up the WNBA.

Geno on the last roster spot- With the last roster spot, and the of humanity on the line, I'm taking Igoudala. Coaching staff- Um sir, that's literally impossible. Geno- Are you the head coach? Coaching staff- No sir. Geno- My point exactly. Get Igoudala on the line.

How UCLA is will depend on their guard play. They are piling up size and talent up front, but they still have to get the ball up the floor, facilitate and manage the game. Chen would have been a big piece for them.

@user-gn3wq1mt7g

19 күн бұрын

You're right. They still have Kiki and Londyn Jones, but after that, they have some freshmen coming in that may or may not make a big impact. With the one or two scholarships that they have left, they should be looking at guards.

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

I think the Finish girl will be good. But won't no for sure until she plays

@jeromedanielson4422

19 күн бұрын

Yup, Chen scorched UCLA for 24 pts, UCLA who was #10 at the time only one by 3 pts to unranked Princeton who is coached by Carla Berube an ex-great player at UConn, nobody was getting Chen, but UConn, with that inside connection between Geno and Carla.

What are Karlin’s goals? WNBA? A free pass to graduate school? Anyway, they all look good, but would have to share playing time and that may not be compatible with their goals

UCLA needs to fix their backcourt.

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

Look out for the finish player - from clips she looks good. As well her shot looks good to. In addition Avery Cain - I know it is highlights but 6'1 and can shoot

How do you feel about Mariona Planes Fortuny 6'3" and Amirah Abdur-Rahim 6'3" coming to UCONN??

I could be wrong but I am not sold Barker would be someone Geno would go after. Geno in interviews has said he prefers Grad transfers or players that have had the coaches leave, e.g. players looking to move for issues outside of their control (like Oregon loosing their conference etc). I agree Karlen might be the most likely, she does play bigger than her size, but the young lady from Arkansas Maryam Dauda is possible as Arkansas lost their coach. However let me throw out a few names that might fit, Amirah Abdur-Rahim at SMU, grad transfer , originally began at ND, had large improvement this year or Brenna McDonald, 6’3, F, Sr. (8.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg) of Yale.

Ducharme is listed as 6'2".

Hey Back 2 Sports I thought you were supposed to be stuck in the Transfer Portal on your supposed break 😂 Any way I’m still sticking to my opinion that UCLA will still under perform when tournament time comes. They probably won’t make the Final Four either. It’s called to Corry Klose effect. You know what I think of Klose’s teams talented but underperforming in the tournament. I’m not certain that UCONN will add a BIG after missing out on Raegan Beers though.

@go2hvn2008

19 күн бұрын

UConn once again, is overrated in the preseason polls. Just like 2023-24, they will cruise in the Big Easy but will not be capable of overcoming the six teams (with the exception of Iowa) they lost to.

@user-gn3wq1mt7g

19 күн бұрын

@@go2hvn2008 I'm not a UConn fan, but I think it would be foolish to say a loaded Geno Auriemma coached team is overrated. How many national championships have his teams won, eleven?

@user-gn3wq1mt7g

19 күн бұрын

Please, if you're going to trash Cori Close, at least spell her name right.

@dougpost8958

19 күн бұрын

@@go2hvn2008 One bad call away from making the championship game. With a depleted squad and starting 2 freshmen. Not exactly an overrated team.

@collinsiedor3587

16 күн бұрын

@@dougpost8958 exactly right, dougpost. Thanks

Karlen would be perfect. Bring Liza on. She'll look good in a Husky uniform.

@victorlopez2143

19 күн бұрын

Nope..

I only know that Chen from Princeton scored 24pts versus UCLA who only won by 3. Chen does Chen things, whoever Geno gets will be better (depleted bench) than the team that still made it to the Final Four, surpassing everybody's expectations, in my mind this was one of Geno's best coaching years, (doing more with less) only two teams did better than UConn this past season, Iowa and South Carolina. If Geno had a bench Iowa would have taken an L probably by double digits.

An important point: UConn doesn't choose players, Geno accepts thoe who want to play at UConn. There's a difference. I don't recall any UConn roster that was full, but my memory is partial. I think we're fine as is.

@rover7139

19 күн бұрын

Lol...he choose Betts but she didn't choose him...I can name others uconn was recruiting hard and they turn them down especially black girls..

@StoryGordon

19 күн бұрын

@@rover7139 - Precisely. He doesn't choose players like we did in school, offers UConn scholarships and they choose whether they want to come. The point is simple. He treats prospective players as adults. He recruits them, but makes no promises. If they come it's because they want to be there. The upside for Geno is thay have no valid complaints is they don't get the PT they want. It's an important distinction.

@jeromedanielson4422

19 күн бұрын

@@rover7139 Yup, Boston! However Betts didn't see a final four either, Geno's team did, with Betts they would have been in the final, I don't think they would have beat SC, But Betts watched the final four from the couch! Oh, that's right, Sarah Strong is a "black girl" since you went there, unnecessarily.

@WittynotSilly

18 күн бұрын

​@@StoryGordon🤔 wonder how many recruits he lost with that mentality we know he missed out on catlin.. we came and snatched aliyah boston out his backyard makes you wonder

@StoryGordon

18 күн бұрын

@@WittynotSilly - None. If they don't want to play for UConn it's not a loss. Same in business. Why would you want someone who doesn't want to work there?

I don't see them signing...I see Geno finally using the injured bench that sat all of the year, recovered and are eager to play...I think they are in contention to win it all with current squad... plus they have another 6'5" coming in next year to go with Jana El Elfy, Ice Brady, and Sarah Strong. If I am wrong and it will be only for one year (like Chen) it will probably be Karlan whom Geno is most familar with from the Big East, Marquette, annd Megan Duffy's program.

@mrmojorisin8752

19 күн бұрын

Who is this “other” 6’5” to go along w Jana?

@go2hvn2008

19 күн бұрын

@@mrmojorisin8752 He's talking about the 2025-26 class.

@PalisadesParketeer

19 күн бұрын

@@mrmojorisin8752 The 2025-25 class. A real raw talent that may or may not work out, Gandy Malou Mamel from Ireland. She's 6'5" or 6'6" depending on which site you look at.

@mrmojorisin8752

18 күн бұрын

@@go2hvn2008 Thanks!

@MooreCEJr

17 күн бұрын

@@mrmojorisin8752 Gandy Malou Mamel for 2025-26

Leger-Walker tore her ACL at UCLA on Jan. 28. It takes a full yr fully recover. So she won't be able to return until Feb. next yr. Do you think her joining UCLA will really be a huge benefit? She's knowledgeable so I'm sure she'll help mentor the guards from the sideline at the beginning of the yr. And maybe she'll make some key plays in the tourney. But, I'm not sure of the level of impact she is going to have.

@go2hvn2008

19 күн бұрын

Same thing with Fudd and Griffin.

@user-gn3wq1mt7g

19 күн бұрын

I have the same concern about Leger-Walker. All I can say is that I hope she's a quick healer. It's hard to predict exactly how long it takes to recover from an ACL tear because everybody heals differently.

@dougpost8958

19 күн бұрын

@@go2hvn2008 I don't think UConn is counting on Griffen before the Big East season (roughly 12 months from her injury.) Fudd and later Griffen can ease their way back in given the rest of the talent on the team. Last year's starters with Jana/Ice at the 5, Strong/Q spelling at the 4 (or starting with Page at the 2 or 3), Chen at the point spelling KK (or vice versa), etc. Unfortunately not counting on Caroline. If she miraclously comes back from all her ailments, that's just a big bonus.

@go2hvn2008

19 күн бұрын

@@dougpost8958 I never considered CD as a great player.

@dougpost8958

19 күн бұрын

@@go2hvn2008 It's been hard to tell because of all the injuries, but she had a spell her freshman year before she got injured when she basically carried the team on offense. I frankly don't think she will ever get back to that level, and for her sake, I hope she considers 'retiring', getting her degree, and having a successful normal life which could include coaching and mentoring.

UConn only needs a big, 6'4" or taller, otherwise leave it open. They need someone to rotate with El Alfy or if worse comes to worse replace her. The best candidate left is Dauda. Barker is too inconsistent. Dauda is a shot blocker and a rim protector. She had ten blocks in one game. Her offensive numbers are also right up there with Barker's.

Karlen and Barker would definitely make UConn better. Personally though. I think UConn is done. Won't add anymore.

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

Agree , I think they R done as well

Ok let them all go on don't worry about them and watch them lose and wish they had gotten on a clicking winning Ucon team we will get it done without them

Ucla need sone body armor🎉 to walk at round campus

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

No thx no touching that with 10 foot pole!

@user-gn3wq1mt7g

17 күн бұрын

I think you must be thinking about USC(Southern Cal). UCLA is in Westwood, which is a nice area.

This isn’t rocket science. UConn needs an experienced big, and Geno knows it. It’s not like they lost out on Beers so the need just went away with her.

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

No not rocket science. It is chemistry and Geno more worried about getting that right and getting players that fit in to what they do and won't just bring in talent to fit a gap in roster

@Donte.firstseedsports

18 күн бұрын

I agree with @back2sports988 Geno knows getting the right players that fit the playing style and culture is most important. He doesn’t want to make the same mistake offering slots to unhappy and less talented players that will just sit the bench. UConn was real fortunate to have the two bench warmers enter the portal thus opening up those slots.

Karlen would not be sitting on the bench at UConn. She is a solid, smart, hard nosed player who could really help solidify the front court, which has more unknowns than knowns. And, I'm assuming that Sarah Strong is a known. But El Alfy, Patterson, Aubrey all coming off injuries so those are unknowns. Karlen--you could count on her more than Ice for sure. I would love to see Karlen at UConn

@victorlopez2143

19 күн бұрын

Uconn needs a BIG - not another player who is 6-2 - They have enough players at the height..

@kirklarson5739

19 күн бұрын

@@victorlopez2143 When you are talking about a couple of inches, it is more about the person than the actual height. Karlen is aggressive, has good instincts for the ball, works hard, and is not afraid of contact. I still maintain she would be a really solid addition if they (we) can get her. For instance, look how Paige played against some players taller than her this year. And regarding players on the roster of similar height, Patterson and Aubrey are coming back from major surgeries, Caroline is a complete unknown and I just hope she is ok (not even related to basketball), Strong and Cheli should both be really good but they are freshman, and, at this point, I would rather have the consistency of Karlen over the occasional flashes from Ice.

@collinsiedor3587

16 күн бұрын

@@kirklarson5739 I totally agree with this with one small exception: I love UConn, been a fan for 30+ years, but I don't think this phrase is quite correct - "occasional flashes from Ice." I interpret the word "flashes" as in "flashes of brilliance. What I see, instead, is "pretty good" and "good effort" but almost never "very good" or even "brilliant." I could be wrong... and brilliance may occur in the year to come. Thanks.

@kirklarson5739

16 күн бұрын

@@collinsiedor3587 Well Colin I agree with you but was trying to be nice and optimistic (smile). Karlen has just committed to ND, and that is probably a good move for her. She will likely start there along with Westbeld, Citron, Hildago and Miles, and that is a terrific starting five, assuming Miles comes back from her knee injury that kept her out all last season.

We really miss a big one with beers

Uconn doesn't need Liza Karlen- she's ONLY 6-2 -- Uconn has enough players at that height - They need a BIG.....

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

Yep. I think they are done this year with the portal

No way Chen could outplay Rice of UCLA, no way. With regards to Barker and Dauda coming to UConn, sorry, they want to compete in a REAL conference. Take Karlan, she's used to the Big Easy.

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

I worry about Rice's outside shot. UCLA needs shooter to but around Betts IMO. Cain & finish girl can really shoot the ball.

I don’t rate the ucla coach

@calvinh.4682

19 күн бұрын

I'm a UCONN fan and over the years especially in the NCAA tournament her teams (Cori Kloses) always under perform even though they are usually loaded.

@back2sports988

19 күн бұрын

I would agree. Love her in press conferences and she gives good coach speak but yes I agree she has under performed with talent that they have.

Two weeks late and a dollar short. OLD NEWS OLD NEWS